Annie Coleman

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Annie Coleman
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Mouth of Hurricane River, approximately 9 miles west of Grand Marais

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Type: Wooden Schooner

Description

The Annie Coleman ran aground on a reef near the mouth of the Hurricane River in Lake Superior on July 19, 1879, under foggy conditions. The crew abandoned the vessel, and fortunately, no lives were lost.

History

The Great Lakes were notorious for challenging navigation conditions, particularly for schooners and wooden vessels of the 19th century. The grounding of the Annie Coleman serves as an example of the difficulties faced by ships navigating in poor visibility conditions such as fog.

Interestingly, the Annie Coleman does not appear in the Merchant Vessel List of the United States (MVUS) records between 1869 and 1878, suggesting it may have been under-documented or lesser-known.

Significant Incidents

• Ran aground on a reef in foggy conditions on July 19, 1879.
• The crew reportedly walked approximately 70 miles to reach Marquette for assistance, although this claim remains uncertain.

Final Disposition

The crew abandoned the schooner after it ran aground. They successfully reached safety, highlighting the resilience required of sailors operating on the Great Lakes.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is not documented, but it serves as a reminder of the risks associated with 19th-century Great Lakes navigation.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”annie-coleman” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The story of the Annie Coleman underscores the importance of visibility and the perils of sailing on Lake Superior, reflecting the determination and resilience required to survive maritime mishaps during the 19th century.